The Bishop of St Albans received the following written answer on 20th June 2022:
The Lord Bishop of St Albans asked Her Majesty’s Government:
- what discussions they are having with (1) the government of the United States, and (2) the EU, to encourage the government of Russia to re-open shipping lanes in the Black Sea to allow for Ukrainian grain to be exported.
- what support they are offering to Ukraine to increase its (1) land, or (2) river-based, exporting infrastructure to assist in getting grain out of that country.
- what support they are offering the EU as they attempt to institute solidarity lanes and ease (1) export, and (2) import, routes for Ukraine.
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Con): Russia’s unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine has exacerbated one of the most severe food and energy crises in recent history. Russia bears responsibility for preventing Ukraine from exporting its food and playing its role as the breadbasket of the world. Russia’s bombardment of cities and infrastructure across Ukraine, its blockade of Ukraine’s Black Sea ports and its attacks on farmers and their farms have crippled Ukraine’s ability to export its produce. It is Putin’s responsibility to lift this blockade. We are working with Ukraine, the UN, the G7 and the wider international community to explore the best solutions, whether by road, rail, river or sea, to extract the 25 million tons of grain stuck in Ukraine.
The Church of England in Parliament 
You must be logged in to post a comment.